Mdgilkes

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Thank You!

Hello Dr. Powley & My Classmates of 8823

I want to say that this class has been a wonderful learning experience for me. Dr. Powley, I want to especially say thank you for accurately guiding me to the point where I am able to implement emerging technology based on the need in the learning experience. Most times in Walden, instructors are unable to respond on a regular basis to discussion posts, because of their workload. Yet in spite of this, throughout this course, you have followed through our discussions, clarifying and modifying or simply pointing out the usefulness of a suggestion.

With regards to my classmates, you were simply wonderful. The professional way, in which post were responded to, and the timely responses, brought out the effectiveness of online and distance education. Time was not a factor, when we played games or chatted with each other on MSN Chat, and many a discussion led to the clarification of a marred thought. My prayer is that as you all continue along this academic pathway, that you will be successful quickly, Walden's or school for that matter is expensive. Good luck to all. Marcelle

posted by Marcelle Gilkes @ 11:25 AM 0 comments

Lessons Learned - Week 12

As I reflect upon the last twelve weeks in course 8823, I am able to define emerging technologies and support my definition with answers to basic questions such as; what, how, why and when. I am able to apply and integrate the emerging technologies in my learning environment.

The dynamics of the course has allowed me to set up and use a podcast, e-Portfolio, blog, IMovie, Screencast Moodle, etc. And while my presentation for the class did not include all of the above, I have learned from my colleagues. I can make a choice between LMS and LMCS, use a RSS field, determine whether I should use a simulation or a game, based on the course objectives. I can communicate with my classmates and lecturer using MSN chat, play games with them, use a white board, lead out in a discussion that is focused and share files. I can even do much more than is listed above. The reason I can do so is because of the course 8823, the guidance from the Dr. Powley and a group of wonderful colleagues with whom I have the privilege to share classes with.

While I have begun to implement some of these new learning experiences in my classroom and to the teachers around me, I can hardly wait to plan a curriculum for next school year. On Tuesday, May 30, 2007, some of the students from the sixth grade of my school (8) will participate in a technology fair in New York, They will do an IMovie that includes podcasting, blogs and e-Portfolios.

This week, I chatted and played a game, Upwords Club with Cherrina, and also tried out Application Desktop and Whiteboard, my handwriting tools did not work, and there were constant error messages. I spoke also to Dr. Powley, Mia, Sakina, Zarria among others. I keep forgetting the names with whom I communicate with.

I responded to Christine, Toinette, Renae, Hugo, Sakina, Julie, Elizabetj, Kathleen, Zaria, Arlene and James blogs, and I am still in the process of responding to other blogs and MSN chats. I look forward to utilizing these skills gained in this course, as I complete my stay at Walden's and begin my goal to successfully integrate technology into the curriculum. Marcelle

posted by Marcelle Gilkes @ 10:39 AM 0 comments

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Reflections = Week 11

Countdown! This is one of the few times, I really am not looking forward to a countdown. My school encourages creativity, so I have been fortunate enough to implement the educational and instructional tools gained in class throughout this course. This week, I had students completing simulation on the computer, on planetary.org, they enjoyed their trip on Mars and the way they were able to communicate with each while on the trip.

I spoke to Kathleen, Cherrina, Arlene, Mia and Dr. Powley this week. I tried to communicate with Robert, and a few others. Kathleen and I planned to play a game online, but had to reschedule. It is amazing that as you read the post on the discussion, there seem to be a kind of sync, thoughts are becoming closely related and there is so much respect given to each other. I am simply enjoying it. Marcelle

posted by Marcelle Gilkes @ 7:13 AM 6 comments

Simulation, Games etc.

Simulation, Games etc. can be seen as Instructional softwares that sometimes reflect the behavioral and cognitive learning theories. Most importantly they support constructivist aims at helping students explore topics and generate their own knowledge through activity. Gagne on the other hand who does not support constructivism but a rather direct use, notes "drill, tutorials and simulations each accomplish a different combination of the Events of Instruction.

posted by Marcelle Gilkes @ 6:57 AM 0 comments

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Reflections

This week, the class discussed learning objects. I thought I had a good grasp of learning object, until it was pointed out that instructional techniques such as blog, wikis, podcasting etc. were not learning objects. Learning objects are learning contents used with a variety of learning management systems. Well, that confusion no longer exists and I feel that I am better able to plan for instruction for the new school year. The views expressed by the class in addition with the class instructor helped to clarify this.

I returned to the US on wednesday and after bragging about getting the internet non stop, I was unable to get the internet between Monday and Tuesday, so I had to fit everything within a short week. Julie tried to IM me, but I was not on the computer, so my response was much later. The same thing happened with Robert, we tried communicating in class. I am beginning to regret that the course is about to end, I have learned so much from everyone.

posted by Marcelle Gilkes @ 4:53 PM 2 comments

Learning Objects

Learning Objects

Learning objects can not be defined as podcasting, screencasting, blogs, wikis and others. These tools are techniques used for delivery content. A learning object is a piece of learning content that can be used with a variety of learning management systems allowing the content to be matched to the needs of the learner.

posted by Marcelle Gilkes @ 4:42 PM 1 comments

Sunday, May 6, 2007

Reflections

Week Nine

Week nine brought a sense of normality back into the course after experiencing week eight and the multimedia presentation. One of the highlighted moments this week was a group meeting with Dr. Powley, Toinette, Arlene and others. During the meeting, we were guided by Dr. Powley to conduct online conversations on a particular subject or topic, and monitoring carefully the conversation so that there is structure and there are no deviations with regard to topic.

Earlier this week, I spoke with Robert, while we both were in our classroom, this is becoming a routine and I look forward to our conversations. I also spoke with Zaria and Mia. Signed up to share files with Toinette. A short coming of mine, is that I usually chat with many of my class mates, as this takes away the feeling of being alone in this academic struggle. However, I do not record names and so I as I post, I am unable to record all the names of those whom I chat with.

Presently, I am in the Bahamas on a five day vacation with my kids. I am enjoying the peace, tranquility and slow pace of life and I am happy that I am able to access the internet anytime I want to. Marcelle

posted by Marcelle Gilkes @ 5:18 PM 3 comments

About Me

Name: Marcelle Gilkes
Home: Queens, New York, United States
About Me: I enjoy friends and I do enjoy being alone.
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